Why You Shouldn’t Talk to the Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident in Lincoln

If you've been in a car accident in Lincoln, California, it can be highly stressful. You are likely faced with injuries, needing vehicle repairs, and bills from doctors, all while dealing with the added stress and pressure from the insurance company. One of the biggest mistakes many accident victims make is speaking directly to insurance adjusters without legal representation. At the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, we advise our clients in Lincoln and surrounding areas to avoid these conversations until they've consulted with an experienced personal injury attorney, such as Brian P. Azemika. Here's why, along with practical tips on handling adjuster calls, common tactics they use, and how we can help protect your rights. 


The Risks of Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone 

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose primary goal is to minimize the payout for their company. While they may seem friendly and sympathetic on the phone, their job is not to advocate for you; it's to protect the insurer's bottom line. Without an attorney present, you risk saying something that could be twisted or used against you later in your claim. 


For instance, even casual comments about your injuries or the accident details can be recorded and interpreted in a way that downplays your case. In Lincoln, where car accidents often occur on busy roads like Highway 65 or local intersections, details matter. Adjusters might push for a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, such as whiplash, back pain, or traumatic brain injuries that may not show symptoms immediately. By speaking without guidance, you could unknowingly waive your right to full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term care. 


Brian P. Azemika has over 20 years of experience fighting insurance companies in Northern California, including cases in Lincoln. He knows their playbook and ensures that every interaction is handled strategically to maximize your recovery. 


What to Say If an Insurance Adjuster Calls You 

After a Lincoln car accident, if an adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, or even your own insurance company, it is best to say as little as possible and remain courteous. Here is a simple script for you to follow: 


  • Acknowledge the call briefly: "I appreciate you reaching out, but I'm still recovering from the accident and need time to assess everything." 
  • Decline to discuss details: "I won't be providing a statement or discussing the accident at this time." 
  • Refer them to your attorney: "Please contact my lawyer, Brian P. Azemika, at the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika for any further questions." Provide our contact information: (916) 245-5059


Do not admit fault, speculate about what happened, or describe your injuries in detail. Even saying something like "I'm feeling okay" could be used to argue that your injuries aren't severe. Please note that these calls are often recorded, and any information you provide can impact your claim. 


Instead, hang up and call us immediately for a free consultation. We'll handle communications with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery. 


Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics to Minimize Payouts 

  • Reduce Payouts: Insurance adjusters often employ various tactics to reduce or deny claims, particularly in cases involving car accident injuries. Here are a few of the things that we have seen over and over in Lincoln and Northern CA cases: 
  • Delaying the Process: Adjusters may drag out investigations, hoping you'll accept a lowball offer out of desperation for quick cash to cover bills. This is common in cases involving soft tissue injuries, such as sprains or strains, where the claimants allege that symptoms are "pre-existing" or exaggerated. 
  • Downplaying Injuries: They might say things like, "Many people recover quickly from minor collisions, Your back pain should resolve soon," to minimize compensation for ongoing issues. In reality, injuries from rear-end accidents (like the $300,000 trucking accident settlement Brian secured for a low back injury) can require extensive treatment. 
  • Requesting Unnecessary Information: Adjusters often ask for access to your complete medical history or social media accounts to find "evidence" that you're not as injured as claimed, such as photos of you being active post-accident. 
  • Quick Settlement Offers: Immediately after the accident, they may offer a small sum that appears generous but doesn't account for future medical expenses or lost income. For example, in auto accident cases, such as the $2,350,000 police pursuit settlement Brian won, initial offers are often far below what's fair. 
  • Blaming the Victim: Even in clear-cut cases, adjusters may imply shared fault, such as "You weren't paying attention," to reduce liability under California's comparative negligence laws. 


These tactics are designed to exploit your vulnerability. Brian P. Azemika counters them by gathering strong evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build an airtight case. 


How Brian P. Azemika Can Help After Your Lincoln Car Accident 

At the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, we provide personalized, aggressive representation to car accident victims in Lincoln. Brian handles every aspect of your case himself, ensuring direct communication and attention to detail. Here's how we assist: 


  • Negotiating with Insurers: We will engage and negotiate with adjusters on your behalf, ensuring they cannot exploit you when you are most vulnerable. We will fight to obtain the maximum compensation for you. 
  • Investigating Your Claim: From reconstructing the accident scene to consulting experts on injuries, we uncover all facts to strengthen your case, whether it's a slip-and-fall like the $750,000 settlement or a vehicle collision. 
  • Maximizing Compensation: We pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses, just as we did in the $400,000 jury verdict for a client whose initial offer was only $45,000. 
  • No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis; you pay nothing unless we win. 


Our clients rave about Brian's compassion and results, as seen in testimonials from Irene J., Andrea P., and others. Serving Lincoln from our Sacramento and Roseville offices, we're committed to making you whole after an accident. 


Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today 

Don't let insurance adjusters undermine your Lincoln car accident claim. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Northern California personal injury lawyer Brian P. Azemika today. Contact us online or call us today! We're here to fight for the compensation you deserve. With our track record of success and client-focused approach, you can trust us to handle your case with the attention it needs. 

CLIENT

TESTIMONIALS

Brian Azemika fought for me when others thought my case was a lost cause. Brian Azemika took over my case with only a few weeks to prepare prior to trial. His knowledge and expertise showed in how he prepared me for my testimony at trial. He also had a great presence in the courtroom and really connected with the jury during the entire trial. He did such a great job in the eyes of the jury that many of them approached him after the trial and asked him for his business card. Thanks to Mr. Azemika, the jury returned a verdict for $400,000.00, which was amazing since the settlement offer from the insurance company was for only $45,000.00 on the first day of trial. I am so glad that Brian Azemika was my trial attorney.


Irene J.

Ione, CA

Proud Sponsor of the new Local Women’s Premier Soccer League team,

The Roseville Iron Rose.

“You focus on your health and recovery – I’ll do the rest!”


Brian Azemika, Esq.